The Spain Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Indian citizens must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option.

   • Passport must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after planned departure, and have a minimum of two blank pages.

   • Travel strictly for personal tourism, leisure, or visiting friends/family; paid work, business, long-term study, migration, or settlement are prohibited.

   • Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (employment, property, family), clear intent to return, no past Schengen overstays or bans, and good health.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form (online download; handwritten not accepted).

   • Original passport plus photocopies of biodata page, previous Schengen visas, and any old passports.

   • Two recent passport-size color photos (35×45 mm, white background, biometric standards, < 6 months old).

   • Detailed cover letter stating purpose, dates, day-by-day itinerary, funding source, and return assurance.

   • Printout of appointment confirmation (BLS/VFS).

   • Confirmed round-trip flight bookings and proof of accommodation for every night in Spain (hotel reservations or host invitation with host’s ID).

   • Travel/medical insurance valid throughout the Schengen area covering at least €30,000 for emergencies and repatriation.

   • Financial proof: bank statements for the last 3–6 months (minimum €100/day or €900 total), salary slips, and two years of income tax returns, bank-stamped.

   • Employment proof: leave sanction letter and employment contract; business registration and GST for self-employed; student enrollment certificate; pension proof for retirees.

   • Additional documents for minors: birth certificate, notarized parental consent, and parents’ passports.

   • Civil status documents as needed (marriage certificate, etc.) and any supplementary materials per the latest official checklist.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, cultural sightseeing, and attending unpaid short-term events (≤ 90 days/180 days).

   • Prohibited: paid employment, business or self-employment, long-term/award-bearing study, religious residency, intention to overstay or settle, and undeclared purposes.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Digital Schengen visa system launching Q4 2025; currently, online form must be printed and submitted in person.

   • Only checklist-listed documents accepted; extraneous or missing items may lead to refusal.

   • Minimum financial requirement: €100 per day (min. €900).

   • Enhanced scrutiny of bank statements, accommodation proof, and return intent.

   • Standard processing time is 15–20 business days (up to 45 days in peak season); early application is advised.

   • Biometric data submission required unless exempt (prior Schengen biometrics within 59 months).

   • Appointment slots at BLS International have increased, but early booking remains essential.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Download, complete, print, and sign the official application form.

   • Book and attend an appointment at an authorized BLS Visa Application Centre with originals and photocopies.

   • Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the visa centre.

   • Track application status online; respond promptly to any additional document requests.

   • Collect your passport in person or via courier upon approval; verify visa details before finalizing travel.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen applicant eligibility and recommend the correct visa category.

   • Provide a current, tailored document checklist; review, format, and translate documents to meet embassy/VFS standards.

   • Manage digital submissions, appointment scheduling, document uploads, reminders, and status tracking.

   • Proactively address additional document requests, appeals, or reapplications-minimizing errors and refusal risk.

   • Streamline the process, reduce client stress, and allow focus on travel planning while clarifying that final visa decisions rest solely with Spanish/Schengen authorities and no service can guarantee 100% approval or expedited processing.